SensuAlchemy School Podcast with Kate Leiper

In today’s solo episode, I’m going to share with you 5 powerful ways you can buck the system and revolutionize your approach to showing up and being of service as a woman leader. If you feel like your work, creativity, and leadership has its own distinct flavour and it doesn’t fit into the typical box our society would prefer it to, then let this episode reassure you that your uniqueness and willingness to lean into leadership differently is absolutely what our world needs right now.

This episode dives into:

+ What happens when we step down as expert (even if we have valid expertise)

+ The mask we’re taught to wear in positions of leadership and influence and why taking it off is essential to dismantling damaging power structures

+ The reminder that brings me endless relief (and that you’ll want to put on a sticky note) because it will change your approaching to teaching, coaching and leadership forever

+ The unconscious relational patterns we’re caught in that are actually self dishonouring

+ The key unlearning we need to take our personal power back as feminine leaders 

+ The best way to open channels of connection and collaboration with other likeminded women

+ My invitation to you to check out my Luminess Creative Leadership Mastermind (enrolling now!) 

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Resources mentioned in this podcast:

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Find Kate on the following platforms:

Website: http://kateleiper.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate.leiper

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekateleiper 

We hope you enjoyed today’s podcast. Please subscribe so you’ll be updated when new episodes drop! Also, if you have a few moments to leave some feedback, we’d be so grateful. Simply click on “ratings and reviews” then “write a review” on iTunes to get started. Your reviews are so helpful in ensuring this podcast hits the spot in just the right way. We’d also love it if you could share the podcast with anyone you think might enjoy these episodes. SensuAlchemy School podcast can also be found on Spotify.

When was the last time you let yourself play, dress up, and express your full sensual self freely and without judgment? I believe that many of us are so hungry for these kinds of experiences… particularly if we’ve become disconnected from parts of ourselves that along the way, we decided were frivolous, silly, too much or over indulgent.

Today on the podcast, I have such a joyful conversation to share with you. I sat down with the gorgeously sensual and creative Laura Jane Foley and she was every bit as captivating as she is on Instagram!

Laura Jane is founder of Belle Empire Boutique & Events in Tunbridge Wells, England. She is a Feminine Embodiment and Sensuality guide using the modalities of Glamour Magick and Dance immersions to help heal the disconnect within Women. Her varied work and offerings assist women to rebirth into a state of empowerment, embodied pleasure and authentic expression so that they can infuse their life with self acceptance, love and magic.

Laura and I delve into:

+ How in really feeling the disappointment and sadness that her intimate partnerships haven’t brought her the pleasure and fulfillment she’s craved, Laura has become committed to “feeding” herself these things instead

+ Laura’s belief that we’re completely responsible for our own pleasure in life, and that the “work” is maintaining our own joy without expecting others to fill that space

+ Laura’s personal experience of disconnecting to her body in new motherhood and the ways and practices that she devoted to in order to maintain her own unique sense of self

+ How sensuality and glamour featured in Laura’s life (even in early motherhood) and how her self-expression in this time challenged other mothers around her

+ The difference between putting energy into your appearance for “the benefit of others” under the patriarchal gaze as opposed to expressing yourself in ways that feel sensual and alive purely for yourself

+ How the art of burlesque challenges all the cultural expectations we hold about women and celebrates the fullness of every woman exactly as she is

+ How Laura teaches women to unlock the parts of themselves that have been oppressed and suppressed and embody their “Burlesque Persona”

+ Why Laura created her brick and mortar store “Belle Empire” in Tunbridge Wells, UK and how she revels in seeing women learn, play and grow into themselves in this gorgeously evocative space

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Resources mentioned in this podcast:

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Find Kate on the following platforms:

Website: http://kateleiper.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate.leiper

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekateleiper

We hope you enjoyed today’s podcast. Please subscribe so you’ll be updated when new episodes drop! Also, if you have a few moments to leave some feedback, we’d be so grateful. Simply click on “ratings and reviews” then “write a review” on iTunes to get started. Your reviews are so helpful in ensuring this podcast hits the spot in just the right way. We’d also love it if you could share the podcast with anyone you think might enjoy these episodes. SensuAlchemy School podcast can also be found on Spotify.

When our world as we know it crumbles, the last thing most of us would ever consider is that such a catastrophe might lead us to exactly the life we’re meant to be living.

Today’s guest on the SensuAlchemy School podcast has one epic story to tell. From surviving a devastating career tragedy, to awakening to her full powerful expression and helping countless women take back their pleasure and by consequence their self-worth, Amy Towle is beyond inspiring.

Amy Towle is the founder of Temple Of She, a space for the Willing. As a Yoni Massage Practitioner and trainer, Certified Intuitive Guide and Registered Midwife, Amy has over a decade of experience working with women in powerful, yet vulnerable self-exploration.

Amy loves to push the envelope, get deep and dirty into the taboos of our world. She holds your hand as you push through the edge of your comfort zone.

Today Amy and explore:

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Resources mentioned in this podcast:

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Find Kate on the following platforms:

Website: http://kateleiper.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate.leiper

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekateleiper

We hope you enjoyed today’s podcast. Please subscribe so you’ll be updated when new episodes drop! Also, if you have a few moments to leave some feedback, we’d be so grateful. Simply click on “ratings and reviews” then “write a review” on iTunes to get started. Your reviews are so helpful in ensuring this podcast hits the spot in just the right way. We’d also love it if you could share the podcast with anyone you think might enjoy these episodes. SensuAlchemy School podcast can also be found on Spotify.

Do you crave more wonder, creativity, radiance and sensuality in your life? 

If your whole body answered a resounding yes in longing to this question, then you’re not alone.

For most of us, the obligations and expectations long upheld by the modern over-culture make it really challenging to prioritise and devote to a more embodied life, connected to our truest knowing and deepest desires.

My guest today and her incredible body of work, opened my heart and mind to an entirely new way of being 6 years ago. Jenna Ward is a leading Feminine Embodiment Coach & Embodiment Teacher living between Australia & Holland. She works with hundreds of coaches and women to deepen their feminine gifts, inhabit their bodies more fully & coach in embodied ways.

Jenna and I dive into:

+ How Jenna is currently navigating her hunger for aliveness amidst the fast pace of life and a second pregnancy

+ What it means for Jenna to live in devotion to creativity and aliveness and why this is a muscle we can learn to continually flex in small ways each day

+ Confronting the void of confusion and longing when we find ourselves at the top of our game with everything we “thought’ we wanted

+ Jenna’s thoughts around our culture’s preoccupation with healing and how it won’t ever lead us to feeling the way we truly desire

+ How we can’t genuinely access our sensuality or creativity unless we’re willing to meet with the discomfort that stands in the way

+ When we stamp out our creative passions in favour of “making lots of money” and how this can really mess our overall sense of fulfillment in life

+ Why Jenna’s always willing to put everything she values on the table and consider whether it stays or goes if she’s not feeling in alignment with her deepest desires

+ The essential phases of making important decisions to ensure it’s a fully embodied yes or no before any action is taken

+ And SO much more!

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Resources mentioned in this podcast:

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Find Kate on the following platforms:

Website: http://kateleiper.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate.leiper

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekateleiper 

We hope you enjoyed today’s podcast. Please subscribe so you’ll be updated when new episodes drop! Also, if you have a few moments to leave some feedback, we’d be so grateful. Simply click on “ratings and reviews” then “write a review” on iTunes to get started. Your reviews are so helpful in ensuring this podcast hits the spot in just the right way. We’d also love it if you could share the podcast with anyone you think might enjoy these episodes. SensuAlchemy School podcast can also be found on Spotify.

Somebody posed the question to me recently, they asked - if I just go on, pushing my grief aside like I always have, will that actually hurt me? If I know it’s there, but I don’t choose to “work on it”, will there be a difference in my life? They said - Because I’m not about to feel all that pain for fun. I need to know there’s a reason to do it.

Today, I’m going to shed some light on what the real costs are when it comes to our willingness to acknowledge, process and make space for the impact of our losses. I’ll also speak to some of the costs of moving towards your grief and heartache - because there is a price you might pay for taking that route as well.

If this episode speaks to you, then maybe GriefWeavers - my 4 week course for women - is the perfect experience for you to begin to come home to yourself after loss. You can check it out below.

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Resources mentioned in this podcast:

__________________________________________________

Find Kate on the following platforms:

Website: http://kateleiper.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate.leiper

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekateleiper 

We hope you enjoyed today’s podcast. Please subscribe so you’ll be updated when new episodes drop! Also, if you have a few moments to leave some feedback, we’d be so grateful. Simply click on “ratings and reviews” then “write a review” on iTunes to get started. Your reviews are so helpful in ensuring this podcast hits the spot in just the right way. We’d also love it if you could share the podcast with anyone you think might enjoy these episodes. SensuAlchemy School podcast can also be found on Spotify.

So much of what we believe to be normal as women, particularly in relation to pregnancy, birth and postpartum - and particularly when it comes to the capability of our body and the pain and challenges that arise after babies, is pretty darn concerning. 

We’re often so accustomed to hiding our physical or emotional challenges to do with our female anatomy and reproductive system, because of how much shame we might carry or because of cultural stigma we’ve internalised about how women’s bodies should be and should function, so today’s conversation is going to bring this to light.

My wonderful guest today, Prudence Todd is the Founder of Your Womanhood and is deeply passionate about women’s experience of womanhood, birth and beyond.

As a previous Midwife and now Holistic Pelvic Care Practitioner and Restorative Pilates Instructor, Prudence helps women heal their heart and body after birth trauma with her online and in person healing sessions. She specialises in guiding women to reconnect with their bodies, access their intuitive wisdom and medicine within and in turn heal pelvic floor trauma and dysfunction.

We cover so much terrain in today’s conversation. From Prue’s take on sexual wellness and the fact we’ve both lost siblings, I have no doubt that there’ll be something for you today. So sit back and enjoy my chat with Prudence Todd.

Today, Kate and Prudence explore:

+ Prue’s experience of leaving mainstream midwifery behind and carving out her dream work helping women heal their hearts, bodies and minds in motherhood

+ Prue’s own history of antenatal and postnatal depression

+ The grief women contend with when their childbirth experience doesn’t go the way they hoped

+ The ways the systems meant to support women in pregnancy, birth and postpartum fail us and how we can advocate for ourselves with knowledge and compassion

+ How we’ve been cultured to feel ashamed when our bodies don’t work the way we want or expect them to (and why keeping our injuries or conditions secret can do major harm as we age)

+ The body as medicine - how Prue supports her client’s holistically to regain pelvic health and wellness

+ My own process of forging a healing connection with her cervix after surgery (and a terrible unintended pun to listen out for!)

+ We also find common ground with their stories of sibling loss, and how this heartbreak has changed the way we interact with life.

This conversation with Prue was so nourishing for me. Even if you’re not a biological mother, if you inhabit a body you’ll be comforted by the humanity of her personal journey and messages of deep self-compassion. 

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Resources mentioned in this podcast:

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Find Kate on the following platforms:

Website: http://kateleiper.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate.leiper

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekateleiper

We hope you enjoyed today’s podcast. Please subscribe so you’ll be updated when new episodes drop! Also, if you have a few moments to leave some feedback, we’d be so grateful. Simply click on “ratings and reviews” then “write a review” on iTunes to get started. Your reviews are so helpful in ensuring this podcast hits the spot in just the right way. We’d also love it if you could share the podcast with anyone you think might enjoy these episodes. SensuAlchemy School podcast can also be found on Spotify.

Today, my courageous guest Ella Cotterell, shares her story of going no-contact with her father after growing up experiencing cycles of narcissistic abuse and finally reaching a point where she was ready to free herself. It has been one full year of grieving for Ella, and in our conversation you’ll hear what it’s been like for her to choose herself, the pain and possibilities of the grief portal, and the beautiful new explorations Ella is making with a sense of deep self love and trust.

Today, Kate and Ella explore:

+ What life is like for Ella, one year one from making the decision to go no-contact with her Father and freeing herself from the cycles of a narcissistic relationship

+ The incident of verbal abuse and narcissistic rage that preceded Ella’s lightbulb moment leading to choose herself, instead of continuing to play the role of “fixer”

+ The critical steps that built up a sense of resilience, trust and understanding that the relationship was not something that she could fix (and that she wasn’t the problem)

+ How to identify the gaslighting cycle in relationship with someone with narcissistic tendencies, how it messes with your sense of self-trust and how to learn to back yourself

+ What it looked like for Ella to succumb to her grief at the loss of her relationship with her Father and how she prioritised her wellbeing during the most acute period

+ How Ella is navigating a new found sense of curiosity and the exploration of desires that didn’t previously feel safe to emerge

+ The love and longing that Ella is finally feeling able to access on the other side of grief and loss

+ The relational healing that Ella experienced with others, that never would have happened if she hadn’t gone no-contact with her Dad.

+ Ella’s essential guidance for victims and survivors of narcissistic abuse to move towards safety and future thriving

Disclaimer: Please care for yourself while listening to this episode if the content of our discussion hits close to home.

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Resources mentioned in this podcast:

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Find Kate on the following platforms:

Website: http://kateleiper.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate.leiper

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekateleiper

We hope you enjoyed today’s podcast. Please subscribe so you’ll be updated when new episodes drop! Also, if you have a few moments to leave some feedback, we’d be so grateful. Simply click on “ratings and reviews” then “write a review” on iTunes to get started. Your reviews are so helpful in ensuring this podcast hits the spot in just the right way. We’d also love it if you could share the podcast with anyone you think might enjoy these episodes. SensuAlchemy School podcast can also be found on Spotify.

This episode with Emily Athena is pure gold. Emily is a somatic sex educator, coach, and the founder of EroSpark Movement, somatic sensual movement to ignite your aliveness. Drawing on her extensive background in dance, somatics, and comprehensive sex education, she supports people to release stress and shame, rediscover pleasure, and confidently embody their unique erotic essence.

I’ve personally experienced Emily’s work and I really love her take on women’s so-called Libido issues (spoiler alert - women usually don’t have a libido issue - but I’ll let you listen to this episode for more around that).

Today, Kate and Emily delve into:

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Resources mentioned in this podcast:

__________________________________________________

Find Kate on the following platforms:

Website: http://kateleiper.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate.leiper

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekateleiper 

We hope you enjoyed today’s podcast. Please subscribe so you’ll be updated when new episodes drop! Also, if you have a few moments to leave some feedback, we’d be so grateful. Simply click on “ratings and reviews” then “write a review” on iTunes to get started. Your reviews are so helpful in ensuring this podcast hits the spot in just the right way. We’d also love it if you could share the podcast with anyone you think might enjoy these episodes. SensuAlchemy School podcast can also be found on Spotify.

I believe the more we speak openly about what happens to women in mid-life, the better. More specifically, what happens when our lives as we know them fall apart, initiating us into the deep, dark depths of feminine mystery and metamorphosis.

My guest today, Carly Mountain knows this descent into the feminine underworld well. A psychotherapist, psychosexual somatic therapist, women’s initiatory guide, breathworker and writer, Carly’s work has evolved over twenty years of working with sacred practice and space holding; culminating in her new book Descent & Rising ~ Women’s Stories & the Embodiment of the Inanna Myth.

This conversation with Carly really impacted me. She speaks so powerfully about what it means for a woman to choose herself, her truth and what sparks joy and aliveness, even if it’s the most terrifying thing you can do.

Today, Kate and Carly explore:

 + What it actually means to “follow your truth” and the risky implications of doing so

+ The slow cycle of blossoming and shrinking on the path to self-growth and expansion 

+ The myth of Inanna and the journey of her descent and rising as the core initiation of the feminine

+ How important it is to be willing to make mistakes and learn from them

+ Why it’s important for us to respect the unique pace and rhythm of our body and nervous system when we rise after major loss or change

+ Urgency as a trauma response - when to pause and resource yourself before acting from an old wound

+ The sheer relief available to us when we find the safe communities and support on our descent and rise

+ So much stunning poetry that Carly shares to compliment our conversation - The Cure by Albert Huffstickler & Questro Muro by Anita Barrows

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Resources mentioned in this podcast:

__________________________________________________

Find Kate on the following platforms:

Website: http://kateleiper.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate.leiper

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekateleiper

We hope you enjoyed today’s podcast. Please subscribe so you’ll be updated when new episodes drop! Also, if you have a few moments to leave some feedback, we’d be so grateful. Simply click on “ratings and reviews” then “write a review” on iTunes to get started. Your reviews are so helpful in ensuring this podcast hits the spot in just the right way. We’d also love it if you could share the podcast with anyone you think might enjoy these episodes. SensuAlchemy School podcast can also be found on Spotify.

I invited 3 very special women and past clients to speak with me on today’s episode about their own “fork in the road” moments. You know the ones, the moment that comes where you feel, so clearly and powerfully, that you can no longer live the way that you’ve been living.

For these women, Romina Lee, Lauren Prideaux and Christina Curcurato, a major factor in their evolution of self has been shifting and strengthening their relationship with grief. Learning to trust their embodied wisdom around grief has helped them break painful cycles of wounding and self-betrayal for themselves and their children.

Today they share their personal stories, describing how they’ve learned to weave their grief into creative feminine magic.

In this juicy roundtable conversation, we dive into:

+ What it’s actually like to reawaken a deep, trusting connection to your body and when it was that each of them realised "coming home” to themselves had to become non-negotiable

+ What they each lost and what they each gained in their own processes of embodied reclamation (people, places, beliefs, behaviours, communities, desires, dreams that had to go in order to make way for the new)

+ How they’ve learned to reconcile a new relationship to their grief as they’ve personally grown and evolved (and why this matters)

+ Wise words of comfort and encouragement for the woman who feels disconnected from herself and stuck in a holding pattern as a result of a major loss or change or revelation

+Specifically; 

- Romina speaks about her personal reclamation regarding her intimate relationships and walking her talk as an embodied woman, 

- Lauren shares her profound evolution as a cycle breaking mother of two

- Christina talks about her health crises as a catalyst for change and motivation to reconnect to her creativity.

Today I also announce that enrolment is again open for GriefWeavers - my 4 week course for women wanting to tend to their grief and return to aliveness through connection to source, soma and psyche. We start June 6th and you can get all the information at kateleiper.com/griefweavers 

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Resources mentioned in this podcast:

__________________________________________________

Find Kate on the following platforms:

Website: http://kateleiper.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate.leiper

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekateleiper

We hope you enjoyed today’s podcast. Please subscribe so you’ll be updated when new episodes drop! Also, if you have a few moments to leave some feedback, we’d be so grateful. Simply click on “ratings and reviews” then “write a review” on iTunes to get started. Your reviews are so helpful in ensuring this podcast hits the spot in just the right way. We’d also love it if you could share the podcast with anyone you think might enjoy these episodes. SensuAlchemy School podcast can also be found on Spotify.